The Journeys of Socrates

Dan Millman is one of my favorite Personal Growth authors. I've been reading his books for more than a decade, and think I've read just about everything except his children's books. His latest is The Journeys of Socrates, which is a prequel of sorts to his best-selling (and perhaps best-known) Way of the Peaceful Warrior and Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior.

All three of the above titles are fictionalized accounts of Dan's life and that of his most important Mentor. Unlike many of his other books, which are "guidebooks" to living a more spiritual, more fulfilling life, these are written in story form. Dan's a fine writer, and tells an excellent tale. In addition to being entertaining reads, each of them contains some excellent wisdom.

If you haven't read the Peaceful Warrior series, I recommend you start at the beginning with Way of the Peaceful Warrior, continue with Sacred Journey, and leave the book on Socrates for dessert. I highly recommend all three. In fact, I recommend you read everything the man has written. Regardless of your faith, you'll find tons of helpful advice on living a good life.

Reading Dan's Peaceful Warrior books is what gave me courage to write about my own life. As I've said before, it's not like I'm some shining example of saintly living. I've made share of mistakes, and then some. I do hope, however, that I've learned from them and used those lessons to do better moving forward. I also hope that, by being open about my own experiences, I can help others avoid some of things I've done or, perhaps, to see their own choices in a new way that will help them rise above them in a more positive way.

By the way, Dan was also an Associate Editor on Chicken Soup to Inspire the Body and Soul®, which includes my essay, A Gift of Spirit. This is the story of how an accident, which almost took my left eye, helped me better understand the spiritual essence of playing music. For information on how to order a signed copy, visit my main web site.